Population according to 2016 Forecast Census block groups provided by Esri.

A maximum of 40 points for median park size and parks as a percentage of city area.

A maximum of 20 points for total spending per resident.

A maximum of 20 points for an average of per-capita provision of four key facilities:

basketball hoops

dog parks

playgrounds

recreation and senior centers

A maximum of 40 points for percentage of the population living within a ten-minute (1/2 mile) walk of a public park.

Acreage, services and investment, and access scores combined for a maximum of 120 points.

For easy comparison and an at-a-glance assessment of park systems, each city’s ParkScore is also represented on a scale of zero to five park benches. One bench means the park system needs major improvement, while five benches means the park system is outstanding.